MD’s Message

MD’s Message Society today is faced with many challenges and difficulties, that all require well thought through diagnosis and solutions. Engineers play a critical role in providing workable solutions for various societal challenges that require them to embrace the values of hard work, discipline and ethical choices. To uphold the engineering profession, every engineer is called upon to use their knowledge and skills to take on new as well as prevalent challenges, whilst maintaining the professionalism that they are bound to. Innovation is a key aspect that every engineer must embrace, to both make maintain what already exists and to make life better. Engineering as a human endeavour is also facing numerous challenges of its own including: not having a clear path of progression and growth into the industry; different bodies in the engineering profession not respecting or representing the engineers well; rampant corruption within industry; structures and policies that are in place are not being followed; and the lack of follow through required for success. However, all is not lost and there are interventions that can restore the sanctity of the engineering profession including: strengthening the educational enterprise; forging more effective interdisciplinary alliances with the natural and social sciences and the arts; enhancing focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation; and promoting increased public awareness and support for the engineering enterprise. It is incumbent upon both the government and private sector to step in and come up with policies to review the education system, and to encourage engineers to think and come up new innovations to transform society. The ball is also in the court of senior engineers in industry to step up and mentor the upcoming generation of engineers to foster sustainability of the profession. To this end, Viscar is holding an Engineering Leadership Forum at the end of October to bring together senior engineers in industry from both the public and private sector. This event will see seasoned practitioners share knowledge and engineering leadership best practice, to steer the engineering profession for sustainable development. With over 100 engineers from different engineering field in attendance, the need to integrate engineering leadership and professional development to transform the practice and performance of engineering to global stands will take center stage. Eng. David Mulongo Managing Director, Viscar Industrial Capacity Limited Engineering Graduate Development Programme This August Viscar is thrilled to have launched an exciting programme for young engineers that is set to transform their lives and careers. The Engineering Graduate Development Programme (EGDP) was launched at The Viscar Corporate Training Room in a colourful and fun filled opening ceremony. This season has attracted a rich variety of students from various local universities including Moi University, Dedan Kimathi University, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Technical university of Kenya. Participants were welcomed with a message from the CEO Eng. David Mulongo and Carolyne Gathuru a management consultant. Of keen interest was the key note address provided by Kevin abanga a passionate EGDP alumni who encourage the future leaders by sharing his story of success that was catapulted by his participation in the programme that has now seen him work as project manager at Masaba services. Entry into the EGDP programme that is a fully funded scholarship sponsored by Viscar is highly competitive and saw a host of students put in their applications. After a series of interviews to determine passion, vision and the desire to transform the sector, 15 candidates were selected from a huge list of over 100 applicants to join the 2016 cohort. It is anticipated that the students will create transformation in their spheres of influence as the programme over and above its technical orientation, equips participants with key life skills.

At the launch the students were extremely excited at the prospect of being in this value adding programme and indicated that they were looking forward jumping right in and embracing the lessons. They confirmed their commitment to bringing the best of themselves and to making the most of the programme. On its end Viscar also affirmed their commitment to ensuring that the programme runs smoothly and that the practical sessions, industry visits and internship opportunities are followed through.

The students promised to create awareness of the programme to ensure their networks are aware of it and make their applications in good time. They also proposed that Viscar pays visits to their universities to enable engineers in training know what prospects lie ahead of them in the different engineering fields. The EGDP programme is designed for Engineering and IT graduates and seeks to map knowledge to skills required by industry. The programme is designed to open up a world of possibilities for participants and exposes them to hands on experience interaction with consultants and expert in the different specializations demanded by the industry enabling experience real time exposure through industrial visits and industrial attachments. This programme has already started on a high note and is poised to make an impact for both the students and the industry. The corporates who will absorb the graduates will benefit from entrants into their organizations with good innovative ideas that will reduce their cost of training and orientation. In my first engineering job, I had great difficulty practicing my Theoretical knowledge in the industry. What I gained most from the EGDP program is a shift in my mindset. I managed to develop skills that have helped me grow my business and make profit. I also gained more insight in the Engineering world and that has motivated me to pursue my Masters in Energy Management. The EGDP program is a great eye opener for any fresh graduate and also to those already in the field of practice” Chris Mbori